OUTDOOR COLUMN: Boating solo requires extra precautions

Ed Wall, Special to the Sun Journal

Thursday

Aug 1, 2013 at 12:01 AMAug 1, 2013 at 12:49 PM

As a general rule, I enjoy having company whenever I’m fishing or just cruising in a boat.

As a general rule, I enjoy having company whenever I’m fishing or just cruising in a boat. Amiable conversation, assistance with the operation of the craft, having someone to share the sights and sounds of the day, a witness in case you should happen to land the fish of a lifetime: they’re all good reasons to have a second mate onboard. There are times, however, when I find myself on the river, up a creek or in the ocean by myself. It may be because none of my buddies can go on a particular day, it is a short-notice outing or I just feel a need to spend some “me” time with nothing more than the breeze in my hair and the clouds overhead to share the moment.

There’s nothing wrong with going solo on the water IF you are well-prepared and use common sense. Unfortunately that’s not always the case. One fellow was a couple of miles off the beach late one fall afternoon when he had a mishap. A hefty bluefish he was trying to unhook chomped down on his hand, making a nasty gash with a lot of bleeding. The injured angler was occupied with treating his wound, hunkered down in his boat, as it continued to cruise along at trolling speed. After several long minutes, he got his hand wrapped in an old rag he found in the bow compartment and decided it was time to head in. The problem was, when he looked up, the gathering darkness and a thick haze had combined to drop visibility to no more than a few hundred meters. He couldn’t tell which way shore was! His problem became acute when he remembered his boat’s compass wasn’t working correctly and he hadn’t brought his hand-held VHF radio. Those things had not seemed very important when he left shore, but then he didn’t expect that he’d ever end up in the situation he was in.

The man did eventually reach land. He heard another boat passing in the gloom and, figuring it must be heading in, followed the sound until he could make out lights on shore. Luckily for him, the boat he followed wasn’t bound for the Big Rock.

Any of us who venture out on boats by ourselves could learn a lot from that situation. The most important lesson is to make like a Boy Scout and “Be Prepared.” The first step in that direction is to file a float plan with a responsible person, indicating exactly where you’re launching, where you plan to be while afloat and when you expect to return. Beyond that, there are some specific things that any solo boater should consider:

Make sure the boat is seaworthy. That means checking to make sure it is mechanically and structurally sound and that all necessary gear is aboard. A flare gun, whistle or horn, fire extinguisher, anchor with sufficient line (twice the depth of the water you’ll be in), basic tools, spare fuel and first aid kit are essential, no matter the size of the craft or the number of people onboard. A properly working compass should be standard and a GPSunit with the launch point saved as a waypoint is a good backup.

Be able to communicate. Many of us have come to consider the cell phone a communications umbilical cord. That’s fine, IF you’re within range of a cell phone tower and the thing doesn’t get wet. Either one of those may be a factor on the water. A better option is a submersible VHF radio. You may want to consider one with DSC (digital selective calling) that sends a distress alert with your Maritime Mobile Service Identity number and position when you push a button. Just make sure you register it to begin with.

Stop the boat and get back in. Falling out of a boat is a very real possibility. I’ve done it. If there is someone there who can stop it and help you get back in, great. If not, you’ve got a real problem. You should never operate a motor boat that is underway without having a way to stop the engine. The best device is a “kill switch,” also called a “dead man’s lanyard.” It’s a line, attached to the ignition and boat operator, which stops the engine when pulled. Keeping the boat from going off without you is a good starting point but you still have to get back in. (Think about the movie, “Open Water 2.”) That can be surprisingly difficult, even with a relatively small craft. A boarding ladder attached to the stern can be a life saver – literally.

Stay afloat – no matter what. The most important piece of gear on any boat, regardless of its size, is a personal floatation device (PFD) for each person. And, any PFD is worthless unless it’s on the person when he/she goes in the water. Forget the idea that “I’ll grab it when I need it.” Folks who have been in that situation will tell you that usually doesn’t happen. One of the best boating innovations in modern times is the suspender-type PFD that can be inflated either automatically or manually. It’s comfortable enough it can be worn for extended periods and, most important, it works. You may want to consider attaching a whistle and personal locator beacon (PLB) or signal mirror to one to facilitate rescue if it should be necessary.

Keep your head. You may not consider it gear but what’s between his ears is probably the most important thing a boater carries. As tempting as a cool one might be on a hot day, alcohol has no place on a boat being handled solo. It can compromise judgment and lead to a false sense of security. Something that has the opposite effect is a safe boating course like those offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. It can help a day on the water be a memorable experience – a good one – whether the captain has a crew or not.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Advertising

News

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
New Bern Sun Journal ~ 3200 Wellons Blvd., New Bern, NC 28562 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service